SIG SAUER P238 Special Edition Nitron with Rosewood Grips. It’s just a fraction of the size of our full-size pistols. A smart looking, small handgun built with the same accuracy and reliability as large frame SIG SAUER pistols. With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just 15.2 ounces, the SIG SAUER P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol.

The P238 is built on an anodized alloy beavertail style frame with rosewood grips for comfort and a secure hold during rapid-fire usage. The stainless steel slide features the popular trademarked SIG SAUER slide serrations, corrosion resistant Nitron finish and SIGLITE® Night Sights.

The new SIG SAUER P238 is shipped in a lockable hard case and one 6 round magazine.

Category : Pistols

Type : Pistol

Action : Single

Caliber : 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP)

Barrel Length : 2.7"

Capacity : 6+1

Safety : Manual Thumb

Grips : Rosewood

Sights : Night

Weight : 15.2 oz

Frame Finish : Black

Reviewed by
1
customer

Perfect small caliber carry choice?,
November 15, 2010

I've owned this pistol for about three months, and have put about 500 rounds through it. It is utterly reliable, other than an occasional failure of the slide to lock back after the last round (perhaps 15% of the time).
The break-in period required about 100 rounds. I experienced a few minor problems; the slide failing to go all the way forward into battery (corrected by a gentle nudge and later a good cleaning), a couple of failures to fire (corrected by pulling the hammer back and pulling the trigger again), and the slide failing to lock back after the last round. After 100 rounds, it settled down and worked exactly as expected.
A search of the Internet will show a number of people having problems with the P238. I also had a problem with the P238-HD, all stainless version. In my case, the pistol had to be replaced due to frame damage. I suspected metallurgy problems in the all stainless model, and chose the Rosewood grip version as a replacement. I couldn't be happier with the choice.
Sig Sauer's customer service is fast and excellent. I suspect there are the occasional lemons in this model, so just in case, be prepared to test it soon after purchase. Take notes, be clear about any problems you might have, and stick close with their customer service folks. Once reliable this pistol is a dream to use.
Best Points:
* Single action design, with a safety that allows you to carry in condition 1.
* The perfect back-up or hot-weather carry gun for 1911 owners. It has the same manual of arms as a 1911 and you won't get confused switching between different types of pistols.
* Great ergonomics for right handers. Every major control is within thumb's reach.
* Size and weight is perfect for concealed carry; 15 ounces with a width of 1.1".
* The ease of concealment gives you maximum carry options, and the ability to switch between them quickly.
* Unlike many of its sub-compact competitors, it looks, feels, and shoots like a standard pistol.
* Accuracy
* The relatively light, non-threatening 380 recoil permits rapid, accurate shooting.
* The Siglight sights are outstanding. They support rapid acquisition of a sight picture, and are clearly visible in bright sunlight or total darkness (go tritium).
* Despite the experience of others, I have had NO problems shooting any and all ammunition fed into it.
* The build quality is first-rate.
* Break-in period appears to be pretty short. You should know within 150 rounds whether the pistol is reliable.
* Reliability can be, and should be outstanding.
* Customer Service is outstanding.
WORST POINTS
Only ONE: There appear to be lemons leaving the factory. Its a purchase risk, but problems can be corrected, and the benefits out-weigh the risks.
* Be prepared to test your gun quickly to establish reliability. Document problems, frequency, ammunition type, etc.
* Don't use anything on the pistol that isn't factory issued (third-party magazines) until you've established reliability.
* Be prepared to look in the mirror. Sub-compact pistols are unforgiving of bad shooting form. They magnify problems like limp wristing, shock-absorber elbows and poor trigger control. They can result in problems with the slide cycling, ejections, etc.
IF YOU GET A RELIABLE P238 WHAT'S THE WORST PROBLEM?
* Not much. The single-action trigger pull is relatively heavy; about 7 pounds.
* More expensive than most pistols; but you also get tritium night sights, and great ergonomics and quality. Deduct $100 for the night sights and the price would be fairly close to the competition.
* The sights are combat sights; quick target acquisition over marksmanship accuracy. The pistol IS accurate, but the combat sights make you work hard to get really small shot groups. This is a working pistol, designed for short, close-in defensive work. In this they excel.
* For just a small trade-off in size, the chambering could be 9mm, and the additional power would make it off-the-charts good. Are you listening, Sig?

This firearm ships to your local gun dealer/gun store (FFL dealer). Use our easy 'FFL SEARCH' in the menu bar at the top of the page. They will gladly provide you with a copy of their license, and charge you a small transaction fee. No Sales Tax will be due (Except in Utah and Idaho).

Once we have a copy of their license, we can ship the gun to your local dealer, you then drop by their place, fill out the required paperwork/background check, and take the gun home. We can walk you thru the procedure and help you locate a qualified dealer- just call or email for more information.

Our customers generally find this process quite easy and we will help thru each step.

Express orders for items available to ship the same business day must be placed by 1 PM MST. Express orders received
after 1PM ready for immediate shipment will not be shipped until the following business day.

Note: Delivery times are approximate and although generally accurate are not guaranteed. FFL transfer issues may affect
delivery times.

Express shipping is only available in the continental US to non-PO Box addresses. AP/FPO addresses may add to the
delivery time.

Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. We offer a wide selection of firearms, including: handguns, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, rifle scopes and optics, as well as collectible machine guns and other NFA/Class 3 guns. Impact also services the needs of law enforcement and military with our wide variety of tactical weapons and accessories. Shop online through our 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer encrypted online gun store 24 hours a day!